Schizophrenia medication adherence in a resource-poor setting: randomised controlled trial of supervised treatment in out-patients for schizophrenia (STOPS)

Abstract

BackgroundMost people with schizophrenia in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries receive minimal formal care, and there are high rates of non-adherence to medication.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention that involves a family member in supervising medication administration – supervised treatment in out-patients for schizophrenia (STOPS) – in improving treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.MethodIndividuals (n = 110) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders were allocated to STOPS or to treatment as usual (TAU) and followed up for 1 year. The primary outcome was adherence to the treatment regimen. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia and Global Assessment of Functioning scores were also assessed.ResultsParticipants in the STOPS group had better adherence (complete adherence: 37 (67.3%) in STOPS v. 25 (45.5%) in TAU; P<0.02) and significant improvement in symptoms and functioning.ConclusionsSTOPS may be useful in enhancing adherence to treatment for schizophrenia in LAMI countries.